Sound of Music

I took Olivia to audition for the Sound of Music this summer with Alpine Community Theater. While we were there, they asked if I was planning to audition (they are always in need of more adult ensemble members). I said no, but then Liv really put on the pressure and begged me to audition she threw back several motivational talks I had given her over the years and before I knew it, she had signed me up, registered me online, filled out my conflict form and was shoving me out there to audition with a song downloaded on my phone. It was one of the scariest things I have done most recently. I was so nervous and shaking through the whole thing and continued to feel shaky for an hour or two after the audition. They ended up casting me as a nun and Olivia as Brigitta. 

 The practice schedule was definitely one of the most time consuming things I have done in a long long while. I volunteered to help chair parades for the cast. 

 And there was probably a 3 week stent when Liv and I were at the theater from 5-10 or 11 pm every night. Derek and the boys got real tired of that (and me too honestly). But, I learned so much about how much time and effort it takes to be in these plays. I gained so much respect for what Liv does on the regular and all the hard work that goes into it. We made so many fun friends, had the best time and made great memories together. 

 

Liv was a perfect Brigitta and I really enjoyed the challenge it was to learn all my latin, 6 part and frequently acapella music as a Nun. And wearing a habit was a hoot! 

 We had so many wonderful friends and family come to support both me and her!

Bear Lake Campout

Some time last year after driving through Bear Lake Annie decided that’s where this year’s Thorsted/Marshall campout should be. She reserved us camp spot right when they opened up for the year. Watkins joined us too. They are pretty much part of the annual campout now. Here we are on the drive up note the ankle brace Liv was wearing came in handy soon after this pic was taken.  

We had the best time (well except for a sprained ankle I obtained as we were setting up camp the first day—stepped backwards off the trailer steps wrong and fell and landed right on the ankle—OUCH). The first morning there everyone toured Minnetonka caves. (Well everyone except me with the sprained ankle and Amber—who does not do well enclosed in a cave). 

 Tyler happened to have family that have private Bear Lake beach front property and they invited us to come hang and swim there. It was amazing! Kota absolutely loves frolicking and swimming and playing in the water and did not lay down on land until it was time to go. The kids paddled around on little kayaks. The beach was so great because it had a long sandy shallow beach that was perfect for the dog and kids to play on. 

 Annie, Amber and I caught a show at the Pickleville playhouse a place that I have always wanted to see a show at. Raspberry shakes were had by all. Jared and Heather Morris happened to be in town visiting Heather’s family that same week, so they came up to our campsite one night and visited with us.

Luxury Weekend in Uinta

Paula and Joel Whitmer invited us, the Rileys, Thorsteds, and Watkins and all our dogs to spend 4th of July weekend at Joel’s family cabin up in the beautiful Unitas. It was such a great weekend together. 

 We roasted smores around the campfire and every family was responsible for campfire entertainment. Liv brought her ukulele our family sang One Day. 

 Paula led everyone in some campfire songs. And, Paula and Joel did a really fun skit that involved making a fire and the kids were used as kindling and logs and such they got a kick out of that. 

 Mitch verbally roasted everyone in the circle. Jens performed amazing armpit fart impersonations of everyone in the circle. Annie did a funny musical song that her boys danced to. All the kids put together a very long play. There was lots of sitting an enjoying the outdoors. Julie took over food for the weekend and did a fabulous job! Somewhere during the weekend, Annie made the huge mistake of tattling on the kids for their plans to stay up all night long. There were some scary interogations and then the kids staged a whole court procession that everyone had to attend.    In the end Annie was guilty of disclosing the kids private info and had to spend some time in jail. 

There were lots of 4 wheel rides and the coolest little river for the kids and dog to play in. We all took little rides through the rapids. 

 We took the opportunity to snap a family photo with our fav photographer (Tyler). 

 Then, we drove home in time to have a BBQ, light some sparklers and throw some poppers for the 4th of July.